Introducing Bex
30 March 2026
The Stats:
Nickname: Hawkeye
Superpower: Attention to detail probably.
Biggest work achievement: Really hard to pick out a single project over so long! (and I’m terrible at pointing out my own achievements..!)
The big questions
You’ve been at Pad almost as long as anyone — what do you think has changed the most since you first joined?
The design landscape has changed; there is, not surprisingly, a lot more digital design being created than before, so there are less print items where that scale would have been tipped the other way nearly 20 years ago when I started. I personally love printed items and the different paper textures, inks and print finishes, so I would be happy to see this make a comeback too! Other than that, we are all older, and I’m going to say wiser, haha.
How do you think you’ve changed as a designer since your first year at Pad?
I think I have always been an all-rounder when it comes to design, so I don’t think that’s changed really. I do have a very low tolerance for things not being exact (hence the name Hawkeye), which I’m sure makes me some of the team’s least favourite person at times, but I can’t rest if I know a line is out of place! Overall, I think with time comes experience so being at Pad has just added so much variety to that experience. I think I do try to push people out of their comfort zones when it comes to design, which I probably have more confidence doing as time has gone on.
You seem to have your fingers in everything — branding, websites, print, the lot. Do you have a favourite type of project, or does variety keep things interesting?
Variety is definitely something I love about Pad, it does keep the creative brain active.
I do enjoy doing reports as a lot of it is about consistency and precision, and I find it enjoyable being able to bring some visual vibrance to reports as they are not always the most creatively inviting documents.
I also love doing website designs as this is an ever evolving medium, with loads of exciting new tricks and movable parts that mean we can push boundaries to really wow clients.
Brand designs are always fun too, especially with the variety we have here at Pad, you never know what we might be designing for next!
You held the role of studio DJ. What was on your playlist — and are you still claiming that title?
Haha I think some of the team will disagree with that title, or rather would prefer I wasn’t especially when it comes to Christmas! My playlists were extremely varied, I love music, having grown up with a parent in the music industry I was very much surrounded by all genres and so wouldn’t say I am particularly tied to any. At home I love listening to my records, both old ones passed down, and newer modern artists too.
Is there a particular project at Pad that still stands out for you when you think back over the years?
That is really tricky actually, there has been many.. it’s not a client project but I did enjoy designing the new pad brand. It was fun to do something less corporate and more ‘us’ I think and some neat little quirks to send Mark’s way to bring to life on the website.
I really enjoy some we are currently working on actually so watch this space!
How do you juggle work at Pad with having two kids — and has becoming a parent changed the way you approach work at all?
I am quite good at juggling (or rather that is what I have to tell myself!). I think it just enables me to be more efficient with good time management, empathetic, and build better relationships with people. That and maybe some extra caffeine…!
You’re apparently not a fan of hot weather — where did that come from, and what’s your perfect kind of day?
I really can’t stand being too hot, it has been that way since I was a teenager I think! No idea why but it’s a bit of a running joke amongst pretty much everyone that knows me. My favourite day would be zero degrees but sunny, bright blue skies and no rain. Of course where we live that’s pretty much 1/365 days a year! This is why going to the arctic was very much one of my favourite trips and I’d like to do more.
Are you more of a “plan everything” designer or “figure it out as you go”?
This really depends on the project. There is of course lots of planning that happens with other team members before it gets to me, but from a design perspective.. for websites it’s handy to have the wireframe to work with as a starting point and pages are planned, though this doesn’t necessarily mean the design is planned as this can often evolve as it’s being designed. Reports we sometimes have flat plans and an initial design stage is agreed so that does include more planning than other projects. Whereas brand designs for example it’s better to see what comes naturally and not to be too constrained with where designs might go as this is when the most interesting designs appear.
Is there a piece of advice — design-related or otherwise — that’s stuck with you over the years?
Not design related but one thing I have to live by when things are tough is ‘this too shall pass’. With design, it’s boring but setting up stylesheets is going to save you a lot of hassle. And I maintain that and go on about that myself to anyone who will listen!
If you weren’t a designer at Pad, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Although I would love to be some kind of astronaut or space explorer I don’t think my skills are quite what they’re looking for! So probably something else creative. I like to try new crafts, or skills whenever I can, I would possibly work with ceramics as I have enjoyed that.